Is ‘Arrow’ a Bullseye? Everything You Need to Know Before the Premiere

Over the next few months, we’ll see new series soar, old series sour, and so much Jersey Shore madness, we’ll want to shower. Let’s face it: The Fall TV season is intimidating. With dozens of new and returning shows hitting our small screens, we know we have some big choices to make. So, to help you determine what to watch, we’re digging deep into the most notable series premiering this season. Where did each show leave off? Where is it headed? And who should you watch it with? Today, we take a look at the comic book to CW tale: Arrow.

Series: Arrow

Inspiration: The Green Arrow comic book, because nothing seems like more of a slam dunk than nerd bait plus CW-brand sex appeal.

Super Hero Cred: Greg Berlanti, who writes and produces Arrow, also wrote and produced Green Lantern, No Ordinary Family, and Wrath of the Titans. Take that for what it’s worth.

What is this vaguely named show even about? Archery?: Sort of. There is some archery. But it’s because our hero, Oliver Queen, was shipwrecked years ago while he was on a boat with his father and his girlfriend’s sister (who died shortly before he could consummate their cheating affair), and when he finally made his way to safety he found himself in the wilderness. The result is not a friendly, talking volleyball companion, but rather a vicious, cutthroat lifestyle that turns him into the ultimate muscular survivor with a killer instinct and a soft spot for green apparel. When he returns, there’s corrupt game afoot, and naturally he brings those wilderness skills to the real world, where the metropolitan thugs and criminals would never expect it. Also, he’s got to deal with the fact that his ex-girlfriend is probably going to hate him forever because she’s a sassy lawyer lady whose boyfriend took her sister on a sex vacation that would be her end. But hey, at least he can do that hot pull-up jump thing he does in the trailer.

Most untopical topical joke: Oliver’s best bud Tommy helps him catch up on things he’s missed, like Lost: “They were all dead… I think.” (It’s been over two years and you still haven’t picked a side, Tommy? I mean really.)

Best moment for science: Oliver to Laurel’s sister, right before he kisses her (and right, right before the boat gets wrecked): “I know a lot about science. I know about fermentation. I know… Biology.” A romantic moment, almost ruined by science, but just when you least expect it, Biology goes in for the touchdown! Go science!

Who to watch it with: People who aren’t made uncomfortable by frequent shirtlessness and devilish grins.

Who not to watch it with: That ex-girlfriend whose sister you hooked up with that one time.

Best Worst Best Friend: Tommy. He is the slimiest, most obnoxious friend ever. “Did you notice how hot your sister got?” Really, Tommy? Oliver’s the one who’s been locked away on an island for years, you’ve been there the whole time. The only purpose that line serves is douchebaggery. Get it together, Tommy.

Cast Member with the Best Twitter Profile Picture: Colin Donnell (Tommy). Let’s just take this photo in for a second.

How you’re going to feel about Tommy after an entire episode of his nonsense in the face of Oliver’s sheer handsomeness:

What to wear while watching it: A poncho. Look, you’re not actually going to get rained on, but the pilot does a really good job of making sure you feel like a cloud of mist is going to waft your way at any moment. A poncho will help you stop worrying about this ridiculous sensation.